Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Jeff Schwartzenberg, community engagement manager for the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, provided Dare County Tourism Board members with their first look at a new T-shirt design during the April 17 regular meeting of the board.

Holding up a bright and colorful T-shirt for all to see, Schwartzenberg said Midgett Realty made the collective decision to follow the Outer Banks Promise in December and decided to take it a step further. By providing front line staff with t-shirts that display the Outer Banks Promise, the visibility will enable staff to strike up conversations on the promise and what it means and why it is important.

“They did not want to just make a promise and forget about it,” Schwartzenberg explained. “They were thinking about ways they could move the needle forward.”

The Outer Banks Promise is a Visitors Bureau destination pledge designed to inspire better stewardship and more responsible behavior here on the Outer Banks by both visitors and local residents alike.

Initiated in June 2024, the aim is to preserve the benefits, environment, culture and quality of life for Outer Banks residents while enhancing visitor experiences.

Recognizing the natural wonders and historic achievements that make the Outer Banks so special, residents and guests are encouraged to make seven pledges related to discovery, opportunity, environmental respect, to wander with wonder, wildlife safety, and local support because even small acts can have big impacts.

According to Schwartzenberg, about 30 companies and organizations have already made the promise. Black Pelican was the first restaurant to join in and Kitty Hawk was the first municipality to bring their full staff together.

Speaking after the meeting, Schwartzenberg said “Basically it’s just small steps that people can take to have a bigger impact over time. The Outer Banks has supported a special way of life for generations so we need to do our part to keep it that way. To look out for one another, be aware and prepared for any situation and work together to protect this place that we love.”

Schwartzenberg said the Promise is being rolled out to the local population before moving to a wider audience.

“It’s a great opportunity to educate the local audience and for them to feel vested in saving the environment,” he added, “because it is aimed at fostering responsible behavior and deepening respect for our local culture and natural environment. We hope to encourage everyone to take small but impact steps to protect this area for future generations.”

Following the decision of Johnson, Mizelle, Straub and Consolvo to no longer handle government clients, a request for accounting services went out with two bids received. After a brief discussion, the board voted to contract with Carr, Riggs and Ingram at the proposed bid of $16,100 for FY 24/25, $16,850 for FY 25/26, and $17,750 for FY 27/28.

Thursday was also a chance for board members to look at the first draft of the $25,656,696 general fund and special revenue fiscal year 2025-2026 proposed budget with a 3 percent increase over the current FY24-25 budget, which is almost 12 percent below actual receipts for the current year.

Current budget highlights include fiscal year actual occupancy receipts down 1 percent with meals receipts up 5.7 percent and retail collections for January up 7.9 percent for the month. However, gross meals sales reported for February 2025 were up 26 percent compared to February 2024 and year to date up 15.7 percent. Overall revenues through February are 104 percent of the budget with fund expenses within their budgeted amounts for the fiscal year.

Other business for the day included adding two staff positions – community engagement manager and owned and shared media manager – to the list of those exempt from overtime compensation in conformance with the Fair Labor Standards
Act. Other employees designated as non-exempt are eligible for overtime pay or compensatory time off for all hours worked over 40 in an established work period.

It was also noted that 30 restaurants are participating in Soft Shell Week May 12-17. According to tourism sales and events manager Lorrie Love, restaurants can still sign on and participate without being included on a promotional poster.

The next Dare County Tourism Board meeting is 9 a.m. on May 15 in the Curtis H. Creech Memorial Boardroom at the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau Administrative Offices in Manteo. A public hearing for the proposed fiscal year 2025-26 budget will be held at 9:15 a.m.

The current 2025 Soundside Event Site schedule includes:

Sat., April 19 from noon to 4 p.m. – Soundside Market
Fri., May 2 to Sat., May 3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – OBX Rod and Custom Festival
Sat., May 31 from 11am to 6pm Sumospeed Beach Bash
Thurs., June 5 to Sun., June 8 from 5 to 10 p.m. – Soundside Fun Fair
Wed., June 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Soundside Market
Wed., June 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Soundside Market
Wed., July 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Soundside Market
Wed., July 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Soundside Market
Wed., July 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Soundside Market
Wed., July 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Soundside Market
Wed., July 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Soundside Market
Wed., August 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Soundside Market
Wed., August 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Soundside Market
Wed., August 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Soundside Market
Fri., September 19 to Sat., September 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – OBX Jeep Invasion
Sat., October 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Garage Band Charities Cruise
Sat., October 11 from 1 to 6 p.m. – WingFling OBX (tentative)
Sat., October 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Outer Banks Seafood Festival
Sat., October 25 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. – OBX Brewtag
Fri., November 8 to Sat., November 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. OBX Show Fest
Sun., November 23 from noon to 4 p.m. – Soundside Holiday Market
Sun., November 30 from noon to 4 p.m. – Soundside Holiday Market
Sun., December 14 from noon to 4 p.m. – Soundside Holiday Market

READ ABOUT MORE NEWS HERE.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE COASTLAND TIMES TODAY!